A common thread has been found in opioid addiction, winding its way from the ER and into homes across the nation. Beginning as a single prescription for a minor issue or unexpected injury, ER physicians are inadvertently rolling the dice and chancing long-term addiction in their quest to simply relieve pain, when there could be better alternatives.

How Commonly are Opioids Tossed-Out in the ER?

Medical researchers studied hundreds of thousands of Medicare-paid ER admissions nationwide, and uncovered a surprising trend in standard approaches to treating pain. Within the same facility, patients discharged with opioid scripts ranged from 7% on the miserly end, to 24% with heavy-handed prescribers. A wide difference in pain management, with similarly disparate results: Patients, who by the luck of the draw were seen by heavy-handed prescribers, were found 30% more likely to become long-term users.

Do Prescription Strength & Amount Play a Role?

A broad variation was also seen in strength and amount, with some physicians prescribing half the dose as others, and showing similar results: A 30% greater chance of long-term use with high-dosages, versus cautious prescription.

Who Was More Likely to Return to the Hospital?

No evidence was found of patients of low-prescribing physicians returning for handout. High prescribers, on the other hand, saw an increase in returning patients suffering opioid-related complications ranging from falls and broken bones to overdoses.

Why the Seemingly Haphazard Prescription?

Because pain treatment is largely improvisational, and often a result of learning by example during observational years, the major issue appears to be lack of protocol and best practices. Where these do not exist, physician adherence to guidelines is poor. Sadly, the reliance on these informal treatment procedures puts public health at risk.

How Can We Empower Physicians and Protect Patients in Need of Relief?

In order to address this epidemic and its deleterious health and financial effects, a collaborative approach is essential, however the doctor’s role is pivotal to keeping excessive prescribing in-check while still managing the pain of those most in need. Broad spectrum and individualized strategies, those that are scientifically-backed and with a reputation for efficacy, are essential to improving patient outcomes without opioids. Even more pivotal, however, are honest, face-to-face discussions between healthcare providers and the industry, be it the FDA or insurance regime, imparting such wisdom to physicians to the benefit of the patient. Post-treatment observation and evaluation must be ongoing, to ensure successful, appropriate treatment and full recovery. And this proven, team-based approach exists with ANS Solutions Pharmacotherapy Review. Won’t you follow the path to a brighter future? Contact https://ans-solutions.com today.